‘Being a Champion Doesn’t Always Mean..’- Naomi Osaka Examines Vital Trait That Separates Her From the Rest

Leadership lies in guiding people to success. A true leader ensures that everyone around them is performing at their best and doing the work they are supposed to do, and doing it well. The 26-year-old Japanese tennis player, Naomi Osaka is not only a champion on the field. But a true leader off the field as well. Let’s find out why.

Naomi Osaka and the 21st Surgeon General of the US, Dr Vivek Murthy caught up in an interaction on ‘Can’t Wait to Hear From You.’ They revealed the secrets to succeed amid a world full of social pressures and anxieties in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month. Naomi Osaka went on to shed some light on how being a champion is much more than just on-field achievements.

Naomi Osaka shares the secret to be a True Champion

The Japanese icon in tennis is known for her kind little gestures which make a huge difference to the people around her. Coco Gauff faced several backlashes after her wildcard entry to US Open 2019. But the 15-year-old American teenage sensation found Osaka at her corner defending her from all sorts of criticisms. Even after a thumping victory(6-3,6-0), the tennis world found the former number 1 consoling the youngster who was down to tears. Osaka didn’t hesitate to break the protocol and call Gauff to join her for the post-match interview. She showed her compassion and told her she exactly knows how it feels to be at the other end. Osaka had experienced this in the past, and she was there to tell Gauff that things would get better. What a moment of encouragement this might have been for the Coco Gauff!

During her interaction with US Surgeon General, Naomi Osaka said “Being a champion doesn’t always mean winning the trophies. It’s like things that you do throughout the day. It’s like the little wins turn into the big wins. And of course it’s not always like you have to play tennis and win the US Open to be a champion. It’s about being kind.”Osaka believes in keeping the bigger picture in mind at all times. She understands that winning depends on many external factors, but being kind is a personal approach to life. 

Naomi Osaka is also involved in multiple philanthropic endeavors. She even donated her prize money to earthquake relief funds in Haiti. She has always been a promoter of education and youth programs. The Japanese always make sure to put a smile on peoples’ faces no matter whether she’s inside or outside the court.

READ MORE: ‘Mother Is Coming’ – Naomi Osaka Raises Hopes as She Sends Fans Into a Frenzy With a Roaring Glimpse

The Journey of Naomi Osaka-The Pride of Japan

Naomi Osaka was born in Japan to a Haitian-American father and a Japanese mother. The journey of the 26-year-old tennis player started at the age of 3 years in the US. Ever since then, she has gone on to achieve remarkable feats in her career. The former number one was the first Asian to hold top rankings in the singles. The 4 Grand Slam titles (2 AO + 2 US Open) holder is the first to win successive major singles titles since Serena Williams in 2015. However, Osaka’s journey is currently at a pause. But what is the reason behind it?

Naomi Osaka has not played since the Toray Pan Pacific Open in 2022. In January this year, she announced her first child with her partner Cordae, an American rapper. After withdrawing from the Australian Open this year, she looks to make a comeback next year. Can Naomi Osaka be the leader of the list with her on-court achievements yet again?

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